Ear infections are common in young children and toddlers, especially those under the age of five. While they can cause discomfort and distress, they’re usually not serious and can often be treated quickly and effectively. However, spotting an ear infection in a toddler can sometimes be tricky, especially if they’re not yet able to express what they’re feeling.
At Akasi Pharmacy in London, we’re here to support you with expert advice, suitable treatments, and over-the-counter options like earache drops to help ease your child’s symptoms. Here’s how to recognise the signs of an ear infection in toddlers, and what steps you can take to treat it.
Common Signs of an Ear Infection in Toddlers
1. Tugging or Pulling at the Ear
One of the most common signs of ear discomfort in toddlers is pulling at their ear. If your child repeatedly tugs or scratches their ear, especially on one side, it could indicate earache or pressure from fluid build-up in the middle ear.
2. Trouble Sleeping
Ear pain often worsens when lying down, so if your toddler is struggling to sleep or waking frequently in the night, this may be a red flag. Difficulty settling, irritability, or restlessness can all point to an underlying ear issue.
3. Crying More Than Usual
While toddlers cry for all sorts of reasons, persistent or inconsolable crying — particularly when paired with other symptoms — might suggest ear discomfort. You may notice your child is clingier or more unsettled than usual.
4. Fluid or Discharge from the Ear
If you see fluid, pus, or a yellowish discharge leaking from your child’s ear, it’s likely a sign of infection. This could mean that the eardrum has burst due to pressure, which usually relieves pain but requires medical attention.
5. Difficulty Hearing or Responding to Sounds
Fluid build-up in the ear can reduce your child’s hearing temporarily. If your toddler doesn’t respond to their name, seems less attentive, or turns the TV up louder than usual, their hearing may be affected.
6. Fever
Many toddlers with ear infections will develop a mild to moderate fever. A raised temperature, especially if it’s over 38°C, can be a sign that their body is fighting off an infection.
7. Loss of Balance
The inner ear plays a key role in balance. If your toddler seems unusually clumsy or unsteady on their feet, especially alongside any of the above symptoms, it might be related to an ear problem.
What Causes Ear Infections in Toddlers?
Ear infections often follow a cold, sore throat, or other upper respiratory infections. When the Eustachian tubes — which connect the middle ear to the back of the throat — become inflamed or blocked, fluid can build up behind the eardrum. This creates an ideal environment for bacteria or viruses to grow.
Toddlers are more prone to ear infections than adults because their Eustachian tubes are shorter, narrower, and more horizontal, making it easier for bacteria to reach the middle ear and harder for fluid to drain.
Treatment Options Available at Akasi Pharmacy
If you suspect your toddler has an ear infection, it’s a good idea to speak with a healthcare professional. In many cases, ear infections will resolve on their own within a few days, but treatment can help ease symptoms and reduce discomfort.
At Akasi Pharmacy in London, we can support you with:
–> Over-the-counter pain relief such as paracetamol or ibuprofen suitable for children, to manage pain and fever.
–> Earache drops, which may help soothe discomfort, particularly in mild cases where there is no discharge. Always check with the pharmacist to ensure drops are suitable for your child’s age and condition.
–> Advice on when to see a GP — for example, if symptoms persist beyond three days, if there is discharge from the ear, or if your child is under six months old.
–> Referral to a private consultation if necessary, where a more detailed assessment or prescription may be needed.
How to Prevent Future Ear Infections
While it’s not always possible to prevent ear infections, you can reduce your toddler’s risk with some simple steps:
–> Keep them away from second-hand smoke, which can increase the risk of ear infections.
–> Encourage handwashing to limit the spread of colds and viruses.
–> Breastfeed where possible, as this helps boost the immune system.
–> Make sure your child is up to date with vaccinations.
–> Try to avoid bottle-feeding while your child is lying flat, which can affect the Eustachian tubes.
Visit Akasi Pharmacy for Earache Support
Our friendly team at Akasi Pharmacy in London is here to support your family’s health with expert guidance and a wide range of trusted treatments. If your toddler is suffering from ear pain, drop in at one of our branches and speak to us — we can help you find the right approach, whether it’s earache drops, pain relief, or a referral.
You don’t need an appointment to speak with our pharmacists, and we’re always happy to offer advice tailored to your child’s age and symptoms.
This blog was written on behalf of Akasi Pharmacy by Pharmacy Mentor.